Well,  for one thing, most in the wild seek solitude and the crime rate is quite low.  you may have a problem when near urban areas, like many spots on the AT.  For another, if you are in trouble, simply carry a PLB- that will get a response. This thread started because of two incidents, apparently reported via U Tube, well after the fact, with very little information.  I doubt that they constitute a crime wave.  Apparently in the one case (a creepy guy bothering a woman) there was a response.   More info would be nice. In most cases, you will be somewhat distant from those who are able to help you and the response time will almost always be more than an hour.  You must plan to be self sufficient and take the lead in solving the problem, which will probably not be criminal in nature. Carry the ten essentials, learn first aid, and learn of likely hazards before you visit an area.  Pay attention to the weather report. After 40 years in the NPS, I have a fairly low opinion of the value of radios, even the fairly decent ones just in Gov't service.  Hikermor's law - "the more urgent the situation, the less likely you will be able to communicate." Demonstrated many times, and there have been exceptions, but I would not rely on radios as my primary solution. It is up to you.  Isn't that why we head into the wilderness?   ... View more

@Inbar - Go west, young man!!  The wilderness in either Big Bend or the Gila is incomparable.  You will be glad you spent the extra drive time.....   Phil Reed, him speak with plenty straight tongue. ... View more

Not sure what you are describing here.  I am guessing that in the small dog incident they talked to an agency that did not have jurisdiction and it was referred to the NPS who did? In the second case, there was a response, so what is the problem?  I might say that I enjoy solitude and seek places that are not crowded, better yet is empty.  That brings on a second set of problems and I typically deal with them, either by myself or as a member of my small group. ... View more

That is a perfectly awful concept.  I will say no more. ... View more

@Ari  "Rocky Mountains" covers a lot of territory and you don't mention your activities.  Will you be car camping or backpacking.  What temperatures will you experience?  Looking beyond this summer, how will you use this equipment? Good equipment costs money and this is especially true of quality sleeping bags.  You will spend a few hundred for a top quality bag and it will be money wisely invested.  If you are just car camping, bags will weigh more for equivalent warmth and can cost less. I would recommend a mummy style bag rated to a comfort rating of 20 degrees.  For backpacing, it should weigh no more than three pounds, and preferably less.  Probably will have down fill. Sleeping pad - I recommend a closed cell foam pad.  combine with an inflatable air mattress if you like.   Lots of ... View more

You may get the initial impression that climbing mainly involves use of the hands.  You do use your hands, but even more important is footwork -for stability and the force to drive you up the rock.  Best beginning climber I ever knew was a young lady who had trained in ballet in her youth.  We were all surprised because only burly he men became climbers (This was a while ago....) ... View more

@Nsizemore151  +1   Connect with a competent climber or climbers and pay attention.  Work on general good physical conditioning and enjoy the outdoors.... ... View more

Just curious, what is the area?  I would think it is either the Superstitions or Grand  Canyon. I checked out the trips offered by REI and noticed that they are sponsoring trips to Canyon de Chelly, which in my estimation is an overlooked crown jewel in the national park system.  Even  more intrigued that they specify camping near Antelope House, which will guarantee a fabulous experience.... ... View more

Cell service may indeed be spotty; just imagine how communication was before there was any cell service at all.... ... View more

    Gym climbing is a very pale reflection of rock climbing, sanitized and cleaned up.  It closely resembles rock climbing but it is quite different, For one thing, the holds are not going to break when you use them and they are obvious and their difficulty is known. None of this is true on outdoor rock where you also have weather (cold or hot, lightning, wind, etc), some sort of approach march, possible falling rock, and other assorted challenges of the outdoors. Gyms have their place.  They are great for working on technique and perfecting moves, building strength, etc. but they are deficient in many characteristics that make rock climbing challenging and fun. Hip belays are rarely employed today, for obvious reasons.   The belayer sits and braces herself firmly.  The rope attached to the climber runs around the waist and is held by the braking hand, usually the right hand (if right handed).  You stop a fall by increasing your grip on the rope.  Padding around the waist is a good idea.  From the same era, you also have the body rappel, also relying on body friction. I am genuinely sorry you have only flat ground.  There must be something not too far away.  If not, heed Horace Greeley - "Go West, Young Man!!" They give merit badges for gym climbing??   ... View more

Let me suggest you visit this web page:  https://www.nps.gov/state/hi/index.htm.  It will give you brief summaries of the various National park Service areas in Hawaii and the cultural and natural resources they protect and explain.  You can go to the web sites of individual areas for further info.  Volcanoes at Hawaii national park are erupting currently and Covid-19 is restricting some activities.  There should be plenty of hiking opportunities at various levels and you will be able to obtain up to date advice. No idea about intra island transport, but I imagine it is fairly frequent and available. Big NPS fan here (most of the time) -retired after 42 years in the grey and green. ... View more